IS Cadillac Ready for the Big Game? Cosumer Guide Speculates on "LTS"

[Cmicasa the Great XvX]

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2016 Cadillac LTS Future Car

Consumer Guide
UPDATED: 02/08/2013

Consumer Guide's Take on the 2016 Cadillac LTS:

Is this a good time to launch a new ultra-premium car? That's the question facing General Motors about its long-rumored "flagship" Cadillac. Though work is underway on what may be called LTS, the biggest, most opulent Caddy in years is not yet a done deal.

What It Is

The 2016 Cadillac LTS is Consumer Guide's updated forecast for the so-called "flagship" Cadillac sedan that's been rumored off and on since the expansive Sixteen concept appeared at Detroit back in 2003. Though the project is not yet a go, several sources report that General Motors is again giving serious consideration to a large, ultra-premium Cadillac as a direct counter to the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Where It Fits

According to Car and Driver, the LTS--or whatever it's called--will ride a new Cadillac-exclusive platform to be shared with at least three other large vehicles bearing the wreath-and-crest badge. Now being developed under the reported codename Omega, this architecture will take over from the Sigma platform that dates from Cadillac's original 2003 premium-midsize CTS. Engineering is said to be along the same lines as the rear-drive Alpha structure that hosts Cadillac's new 2013 ATS premium-compact sedan. C/D notes that while both architectures are scaleable, Alpha is limited to compact and midsize vehicles comparable to the BMW 3-Series and 5-Series, whereas Omega-based models can be made somewhat wider and stretched to around 207 inches overall, a footprint similar to that of BMW's long-wheelbase 7-Series premium-large sedan.

Engineering, Powertrains, and Features

Like Sigma, the Omega architecture is being designed for rear-drive and all-wheel-drive powertrains, but in such a way that any Omega derivative can be built alongside Alpha-based models, a provision that increases manufacturing flexibility as a hedge against sudden market swings. The Alpha kinship implies that Omega Cadillacs will employ a front-strut and rear-multilink suspension carried on noise-isolating front and rear subframes. Most suspension components should be made of weight-saving aluminum and high-strength steel for the sake of both handling precision and overall fuel economy. Electro-mechanical steering assist can be taken for granted. Ditto large 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, an integrated antiskid system with traction control, and GM's Magentic Ride Control shock absorbers that automatically adjust firmness in real time to suit various driving conditions and driver preferences.

Why It's Being Built


As noted, GM intends the 2016 Cadillac LTS to match or beat top-line premium-class rivals for size, power, performance, luxury, even craftsmanship and exclusivity. This reflects GM's ongoing struggle to make Cadillac a true global brand with equal or higher status than established premium players--a genuine "Standard of The World" and then some. We can also see the LTS being marketed as a more sensibly priced but no less worthy alternative to the vaunted likes of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost.

What It Might Cost
If the celebrated Bob Lutz were still GM's product guru, we suspect he'd pricethe LTS on par with Germany's finest big sedans, which means high-$70,000s to low-$130,000s for 2012 models. He would certainly position Caddy's flagship well upstream of today's largest Cadillac car, the XTS, which occupies the comparatively modest $44,000-$60,000 range.

Engines:

Powertrain possibilities for the LTS and its platform sisters are varied and far from clear at this point. Car and Driver talks of a new-design "mystery" V8 that would be available for larger Omegas and perhaps the smaller ones as well. This neatly dovetails with rumors of a new 5.5-liter V8 as the standard engine for the upcoming 2014 C7 Chevrolet Corvette. Assuming this V8 or a derivative is also shared with Omega Cadillacs, it would likely be supercharged or turbocharged to produce flagship-worthy horsepower, which we estimate would need to be about 500 or so. Whatever its final outputs, the new V8 would likely be standard for the LTS and perhaps available for the XTS replacement. However, C/D reports that the second-gen XTS will have a standard 310-horsepower version of GM's 3.6-liter V6 and that a "low-pressure, torque-biased" twin-turbo variant may be offered for that car and perhaps other Omegas, including the LTS. In addition, the magazine expects one or more members of the Omega family to offer a brand-new version of GM's "two-mode" hybrid drive, as the platform is being designed to incorporate the propulsion batteries and system electronics.

[Cmicasa the Great XvX]

What I gathered is C/D believes: And I emphasize this is C/D speculation

the Omega platform will underpin not only a possible 2016 Cadillac LTS but a replacement for the just-launched XTS, which might be renamed XLS in 2018 or '19. C/D says its styling will morph from notchback to a sleeker fastback like the Audi A7.

According to C/D...Omega is also being considered for two Cadillac crossover SUVs. One would partner or possibly replace today's king-size truck-derived Escalade, while a smaller model would sit above the newly downsized SRX as a "large midsize" equivalent to the Lambdas around 2017 or '18. In the meantime, C/D expects Cadillac will get its a Lambda crossover for 2014-2015MY.

As for the LTS, it would about 6inches larger than the XTS replacement. Sized like the Ciel 4-door concept. There's even talk of a companion Ciel-like 4-door coupe and/or convertible to revive the spirit of the personal-luxury Eldorado.

Car and Driver talks of a new-design "mystery" V8 for the Omegas. Playing on rumors of a new 5.5-liter V8 we heard about supposedly going into the C7 Chevrolet Corvette. Turboed or S/Ced to have 500HP mini.. but still have the 3.6L as a Standard engine.. I would think in the 350HP range.

Essentially this is saying that the XTS will possibly leave Epsilon and go to OMEGA, remaining in the line-up as a ENTRY Flagship to the LTS

All variants may get a version of the NEW, upcoming Two-Mode Hybrid System

[FenwickHockey65]

lol 5.5L V8.

[Cmicasa the Great XvX]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

lol 5.5L V8.

I kno right. I though that idea had been dead since 2010.